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Time of Fireworks: Tuesday, July 4, 2023: 10:45 p.m.
Note: Due to inclement weather and a delayed start to the Wawa Welcome America concert this evening, fireworks will begin at 10:45 p.m.
Philadelphia goes all out for July Fourth celebrations during Wawa Welcome America, the city’s Independence Day bash that for 2023 stretches for 16 awesome days of free movie screenings, free museum days, free concerts, free Juneteenth commemorations and plenty more festivities … including lots of fireworks.
The festival’s final day of events — July 4, 2023 — hits the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Independence Day starting at 4 p.m. with a pre-show performance from DJ Diamond Kuts and party band Snacktime on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage followed by the free Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert featuring headliners Demi Lovato, Ludacris and Adam Blackstone on the main stage at 7 p.m.
Wrapping it all up: a spectacular (and 100% free!) fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway makes for a classic and iconic spot to watch the display. But there are a number of other great places throughout Philly to catch the show.
Get the scoop on our favorite spots to watch the fireworks on July Fourth with our guide, below.
Beginning at 8 p.m., stake out a spot anywhere along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Logan Circle to Eakins Oval ahead of the show. The entire street is shut down for the celebration — and you can’t beat the prime view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art backdrop.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle
Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill, home to a gorgeous 19th-century mansion with curved walls, offers plenty of space to set up lawn chairs and blankets. Bonus: The elevation makes for great fireworks views.
Where: Lemon Hill, Lemon Hill & Sedgley drives
Fireworks-watchers at the Schuylkill Banks find lots of grass for comfortable viewing and a stunning view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The super-convenient spot is accessible via the Chestnut Street Bridge and Walnut Street Bridge as well as via crossings at Locust Street and Race Street that are closer to the show.
Where: Various locations along the Schuylkill Banks including at Race Street & Schuylkill River Trail
The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk extends the Schuylkill River Trail out over the river. The scenic walkway begins at Locust Street and continues on toward the South Street Bridge, offering a waterfront spot with fantastic views of the Philadelphia skyline and sightlines for the July Fourth fireworks spectacular.
Where: Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, Entrance near Locust Street & Schuylkill River Trail
Countless places along the Schuylkill River and Kelly Drive offer excellent views of the fireworks display — including near Boathouse Row and the open field at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Sedgley Drive. Don’t forget to bring along your own chair or blanket for comfort.
Where: Various locations on Kelly Drive including Kelly & Sedgley drives
A gorgeous skatepark and recreation space off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Paine’s Park is directly in the shadow of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, offering spectacular views of the July Fourth finale.
Where: Paine's Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This modern, chill green space off of Logan Circle is also one of the best spots to relax while waiting for the show to begin on the Fourth of July.
Where: Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th Street
Another excellent spot to catch the show: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, right across the Schuylkill River from gorgeously lit Boathouse Row.
Where: Various locations on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive including the Fairmount Fish Ladder, Schuylkill River Trail
Part of Fairmount Park in West Philadelphia, the elevated fields at Belmont Plateau offer plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the fireworks — and the skyline — from a distance.
Where: Belmont Plateau, 1800 Belmont Mansion Drive
Featuring a spectacular, uninterrupted view of the Philadelphia skyline, the Girard Avenue Bridge connects East and West Fairmount Park — and is a nice location off the beaten path to enjoy the fireworks show.
Where: Girard Avenue Bridge, 123 W. Girard Avenue
Located near the campus of Drexel University, Drexel Park offers incredible skyline views and a great spot to watch the fireworks in University City, away from the Parkway crowds.
Where: Drexel Park, 3100 Powelton Avenue
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
The grand finale to Wawa Welcome America and a true Philly tradition...